Residents of British Columbia may soon gain access to more affordable versions of popular injectable diabetes and weight management medications. This follows the recent expiration of the patent for semaglutide, the active ingredient in Novo Nordisk's brands Ozempic and Wegovy.
Health Canada Reviews Multiple Generic Submissions
Health Canada is currently reviewing nine separate submissions for generic versions of semaglutide. This regulatory step opens the door for competing pharmaceutical companies to produce and sell lower-cost alternatives. Ozempic is approved in Canada for managing Type 2 diabetes, while Wegovy is specifically approved for chronic weight management.
The patent protection for these drugs expired in January 2026, which is the standard catalyst for generic market entry. This process is expected to significantly reduce the monthly cost for patients, which has historically ranged from $200 to $600 or more, depending on the dosage and specific prescription.
Cost and Coverage: A Major Barrier to Access
Experts highlight that the high out-of-pocket expense has been a primary obstacle for many British Columbians. Most insurance providers and provincial pharmacare plans do not cover medications prescribed specifically for obesity. In B.C., the provincial pharmacare program offers limited coverage for Ozempic, but only for the treatment of Type 2 diabetes, not for weight loss.
Dr. Ehud Ur, a professor of medicine in the division of endocrinology and metabolism at the University of British Columbia, explains the coverage dilemma. He notes that the potential patient pool is vast, as approximately 40% of Canadians are classified as overweight or obese. The sheer scale makes the cost to insurers and governments a significant concern.
"It's an overwhelming concern," said Ur. "The problem is this drug actually works for weight loss. And it can help with the complications of weight, things like diabetes, heart disease, even certain cancers."
Understanding Semaglutide and Its Impact
Semaglutide functions by mimicking a natural hormone called GLP-1, which is released after eating. It helps regulate blood sugar by stimulating insulin release, slowing digestion to increase feelings of fullness, reducing sugar production in the liver, and curbing appetite. It is administered via a once-weekly injection.
While effective, the medication is not without potential side-effects. Patients may experience fatigue or digestive issues, but medical experts often state that for individuals at risk of serious obesity-related conditions like heart disease, the benefits typically outweigh the risks.
Physicians specializing in obesity treatment argue that the high cost and lack of coverage have perpetuated a harmful stigma, wrongly suggesting that obesity is solely a personal failing. They emphasize that genetic and environmental factors play substantial roles, moving beyond the notion of it being a simple lifestyle choice.
The arrival of cheaper generics is poised to democratize access to this treatment. As prices fall, more B.C. residents are expected to discuss its suitability with their healthcare providers. This shift could lead to broader management of obesity and its associated health risks across the province.
